Support sought for action on mosquitoes

An Empire Bay resident has sought support from the Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association in seeking action from Central Coast Council to address the issue of mosquitoes plaguing Empire Bay.

"Living with Mosquitoes on the Central Coast region of NSW is a study conducted in 2007, which established that the saltmarsh communities of Empire Bay have the largest populations of larval and adult populations," Ms Susan Brooks wrote in the association's newsletter.

"The Council's response seems to have focused on protecting the environment in which mosquitoes breed with little attention or action on minimising mosquitoes to protect residents.

"As a consequence it is often not possible to enjoy our outdoor areas for several months because personal spraying is not particularly effective.

"This also negatively impacts on the economic development of the Peninsula," she said.

"The Council decided some years ago not to spray in the Empire Bay area, and consequently we have now experienced the worse mosquito outbreak in 20 years.

"Where routine mosquito control is not considered desirable, there are other options available.

"However, it would appear that no preventative against disease outbreak or biting minimisation action has been taken in recent years and this is of increasing concern given the impact of climate change on the area.

"Ten years have passed since landmark studies were conducted, yet it appears that little has changed in Council's approach.

"Council needs to review scientific information and find a better balance between environment and lifestyle living needs; there is a need for site-specific investigation of mosquito communities, so policies for urban development and wetland rehabilitation can be balanced with reduced public health risks, affected communities need to be consulted over these policies and a budget allocation needs to be made to ensure remedial work is undertaken as soon as possible," Ms Brooks said.

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 13 May 2018

Peta Colebatch, Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association Inc.